Diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions often require ongoing management and can impact your everyday life. Do you have a chronic illness or know someone who does? Medicare can help.
We examine common chronic diseases, how Medicare coverage works if you have a chronic condition, and more in this article.
Examples of chronic conditions
Chronic diseases are persistent, long-lasting conditions and are a significant health concern for many Americans. According to the CDC, 7 out of 10 people die every year from chronic disease. Examples of chronic diseases are:
Diabetes
Kidney failure
Cancer
Heart failure
Stroke
HIV/AIDS
Osteoporosis
Hepatitis (Chronic Viral B & C)
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Ischemic Heart Disease
Alzheimer's disease and related dementia
Depression
Medicare coverage for chronic conditions
Medicare covers care and services that enable you to get the treatment and management you need for chronic conditions. For example, Medicare Part A covers in-patient care, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice care.
With Part B, you can get outpatient care and preventive services such as screenings and vaccinations. Medicare beneficiaries with chronic ailments can also get assistance with their prescription drugs.
Here are some programs and plans available to help manage chronic diseases:
Chronic care management
Chronic care management is designed for people with multiple conditions. It enables beneficiaries to get coordinated care through access to care planning, regular check-ins with healthcare providers, and education and support.
Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs)
Beneficiaries with disabilities or chronic diseases can enroll in the Medicare Advantage's Chronic Condition Special Needs Plan (C-SNP). This plan offers all the benefits of Plan A and Plan B. With C-SNPs, beneficiaries also get extra benefits such as specialized provider networks tailored to their unique needs.
Home health care
Through Medicare Part A, homebound beneficiaries with chronic conditions can receive skilled nursing care, therapy, and other services. These services are provided in the comfort of the beneficiary's home.
Hospice care
Beneficiaries with chronic conditions in their end stages can benefit from the care and support that hospice services provide. These services can be provided in the beneficiary's home, a hospice facility, or a nursing home.
How to improve your quality of life when living with a chronic condition
As a Medicare beneficiary living with a chronic condition, your focus should be on significantly improving your quality of life while managing your condition. Here are things you can do:
Get a personalized healthcare plan
Your healthcare provider can develop a personalized healthcare plan tailored to your condition and needs. Such a plan can include preventive care, medications, and other services.
Enroll in C-SNP
A C-SNP plan is designed to address the unique challenges of chronic illnesses. If you have a chronic disease, consider enrolling in one.
Stay ahead of issues with preventive services
Medicare's preventive services, such as screenings and vaccinations, can help detect and prevent issues early.
Follow your treatment plan
Ensure you take your prescribed medications timely and follow your treatment plan as your doctor recommends. Don't be afraid to report challenges or side effects for adjustments to be made.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Eat well, according to your dietary restrictions and management goals. Remember to get enough rest and do approved exercise often.
Talk to our experienced Medicare agents today
Living with a chronic condition can be a real challenge. But with the right Medicare plan, you can get the care and support you need for improved quality of life. Talk to our experienced Medicare agents to find the right plan today.